The situation in the Saudi welded pipe market remains bleak because of the seasonal slackness of activity in consuming industries. In such market conditions, Saudi welded pipe producers have largely left their prices unchanged from one month ago. However, demand from Saudi buyers is at minimal levels and they prefer to buy just in order to meet their immediate needs. Meanwhile, demand for OCTG pipes from Saudi Aramco remains firm. Market participants do not expect any dramatic changes in welded pipe prices in the near term.
Welded pipes with 6"-10" diameter made of grade B steel to ASTM A53 /API 5L from quality producers (approved by Saudi Aramco) are quoted in the domestic market at $930-950/mt ex-works on theoretical weight basis, while commercial quality 2"-8" welded pipes made of grade A steel to ASTM A53 are still offered to local buyers at $830-880/mt delivered.
Export quotations of welded pipes of grade B as per ASTM A53 from Saudi Arabian commercial producers are at $850-910/mt FOB, while export offers of quality pipes are at $980-1,000/mt FOB.
Import offers of Chinese welded pipes of 2"-6" grade B made to ASTM A106/API 5L are being given to the local Saudi market at around $670-720/mt CFR, compared to $670-700/mt CFR one month ago.